Fenland District Council stands firm over access to Wisbech incinerator site

Fenland District Council says it will not allow the developer behind the planned mega-incinerator for Wisbech access across land it owns.

The district council has been one of the leading opponents of MVV Environment Ltd’s plans for the 54-megawatt burner on a site off Algores Way.

Now the authority has reiterated to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, that it will not voluntarily allow ‘a right of access over Algores Way’ which is needed by the applicant behind the Medworth Scheme to build the incinerator.

A decision on the Wisbech incinerator is due by the middle of next month.

A decision from the Secretary of State is due by Wednesday, February 21, but Fenland is among a number of consultees that have been asked specific questions by the office of Kemi Badenoch about the proposals.

In a statement issued this week the council said: “Fenland District Council has maintained its strong objection to the proposed Wisbech incinerator after the Secretary of State deciding the plan asked for an updated position on a specific aspect.”

In its reply, the council said: “Fenland District Council maintains its strong objection in principle to the proposed Medworth Scheme which reflects the significant concerns of the local community.

Lead inspector Andre Pinto carried out an accompanied site inspection of places of interest connected to the proposed Wisbech mega-incinerator. Photos: Garry Monger/WisWIN.

“The council has been asked to update on its position regarding ‘a right of access over Algores Way,’ which is required by the applicant to carry out the plan.

“The council will not voluntarily give Temporary Possession Rights to the applicant given the council’s objection in principle to the development.

“The applicant is fully aware of this and hence the applicant has not made an approach to reach an agreement.”

Lead inspector Andre Pinto carried out an accompanied site inspection of places of interest connected to the proposed Wisbech mega-incinerator. Photos: Garry Monger/WisWIN.

However, the council’s refusal may not be enough to stop the proposal as it is understood the Secretary of State could grant Temporary Possession Rights as part of its decision the scheme which is a National Infra-structure Planning project – meaning it can only be decided by Government and not by the local authorities.